Originally built as a merchant ship, she was purchased by the English navy in 1654 and served as an 8-gun navy ketch until 1667. She was sold to Sir William Warren in 1667 and became the vessel involved in founding the Hudson's Bay Company. A replica is on exhibit at the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.

The Schooner Nonsuch started her career as a privateer in the War of 1812 and was bought by the U.S. Navy in December 1812. She was used in several active roles by the U.S. Navy until December 1825. The Nonsuch was sold and broken up in 1826.